This month we are following up on our conversation regarding the nature of ordained ministry in the season of retirement. Included with this introduction are two documents, one from the Manual on Ministry and the other a sample liturgy for honoring the transition from Active to Exempt Standing. Jim Ewing and Dave Stabenfeldt are the hosts for our gathering. After Jim and Dave met to discuss various ways to engage this topic, they settled on suggesting that you spend time reading these two documents: Theology of Ministry and Ordination and Liturgy for Clergy Entering Exempt Standing.

Then, please consider more fully these thoughts from the Liturgy, in preparation for our discussion.

Exempt standing…This is a significant passage of life, as with the call to ordained ministry and installation to a specific ministry setting, the relinquishing of public ministry involves a willingness to pass the mantle of leadership and pastoral authority to others. It also involves discovering new purpose, new ways of walking with God, and serving one’s vocational call in this next season of life.
Will you, to the best of your ability, seek to embolden and empower the work of God’s Spirit in both the present and future by offering your blessing to those who seek to follow God’s call in new ways, even, if it is beyond your understanding or experience? I WILL, BY GOD’S GRACE

We ARE looking forward to seeing you on April 15! All are welcome! If you know UCC retired clergy from other conferences that have connection to our conference (i.e. winter visitors, etc.), please invite them.

If you need the link, please contact Associate Conference Minister Rev. Barb Doerrer-Peacock.